State v K.R.A.K - Judgment [2013] FJHC 703; HAC73.2013L (15 July 2013)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
AT LAUTOKA
CRIMINAL JURISDICTION

CRIMINAL CASE NO: HAC 73 OF 2013

BETWEEN:

STATE

AND:

K. R.A.K.

Counsel : Ms. S. Puamau for the State
Mr. Iqbal Khan for the Accused

Date of Judgment : 15th July 2013

JUDGMENT

01. Name and the identity of the accused are suppressed by the order of this court.

02. The accused is been charged with one count of Manslaughter contrary to section 239 of the Crimes Decree No. 44 of 2009.

03. The trial commenced on 01st July 2013 and concluded on 04th of July 2013. After the Summing Up on 06th July 2013 all three Assessors returned with a unanimous verdict of 'GUILTY' for the abovementioned charge.

04. The Judgment of the court was adjourned till today. I direct myself in accordance with the Summing Up delivered to the Assessors. Having considered the legal and factual background as outlined in the Summing Up, I conclude that the unanimous verdict of the assessors is not perverse.

05. Hence, I accept the unanimous verdict of 'GUILT' of the Assessors and record a "finding of guilt" of the accused to the charge of Manslaughter.

J. Bandara
Judge

At Lautoka
15th July 2013
Solicitors: The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution for State.
Messrs Iqbal Khan & Associates for the Accused.